A man who allegedly threatened police with a knife after a high-speed crash at Auckland Airport early today has appeared in court.
An officer was punched in the face during the incident and treated for swelling and bruising.
Police say the man presented a knife to traffic management staff on the Southern Motorway near Takanini just after midnight on Monday.
He then then fled towards the airport - reaching speeds of at least 180km/h during the 17km dash - and crashed into the security gate which leads to the tarmac.
The man ditched the car and confronted police with the knife when approached. He was tasered and arrested, but not before the alleged assault on the officer.
Police said a 46-year-old man has been charged with intent to avoid arrest, threatening to kill, intentionally damaging an iron gate at Auckland Airport, interfering with Auckland Airport and resisting a constable.
He appeared in Manukau District Court today and was granted bail.
